The Cleveland Touring Club – Get Ready to Ride

Getting Ready to Ride and Join the Cleveland Touring Club

Yearly dues are $20 for individuals and $25 for families. Dues cover the period from January through December and are due and payable each January

When you become a member of the Cleveland Touring Club, you receive:

A year's subscription to CrankMail, a publication about cycling in our area and has all the newsletters from all of the local clubs in one handy small-format magazine.
The Ohio Bicycle Events calendar, a listing of organized rides throughout Ohio
A club roster
Invitations to special events (e.g., our Annual Meeting and Potluck, and our November Potluck).

In addition to riding during the cycling season, we participate in several winter activities (schedules for these activities are made available in the Fall): cross-country skiing and hikingIf you’d like to join our club and enjoy the benefits of membership, complete the membership, make your check payable to The Cleveland Touring Club, and mail both to:

Things to keep in mind if you plan on riding with a cycling club.

1.Your bike should be in excellent working order. Check your brakes, cables, and tighten all bolts and fittings. Fill up your tires and check the inflation weekly (buy a floor pump, believe me it is worth it). If in doubt take your bike to a local bike shop and have it thoroughly checked out. You'd hate to have a major mechanical problem on the ride, plus it safer. Also make sure that your bike is set up properly for your size. Have someone help you with adjusting handlebars, seat height, etc. before you ride. Don't try to do those adjustments in the parking lot at a ride start.

2.You should be in decent physical condition for riding. We do not provide any type of SAG service on our club rides. Speeds can be fast at times although there are usually groups of varying abilities to ride with. You should not try to exceed your conditioning if you are not ready for a longer ride. Work up to the more strenuous rides with shorter rides during the weeks ahead (weekday/evening rides are perfect for this training).

3.Carry plenty of water with you. Two water bottles is recommended on hot days. Drink often (take a gulp of water every 10-15 minutes). If you wait or forget to drink you will be in danger of dehydration which can be dangerous. We do stop to refill bottles during the rides if needed. Also bring a snack energy bar, cookies, granola, fruit or some energy food. You won't regret having it when you are hungry and tired half way home.

4.Know how to fix a flat tire. It is always best to have the tools (tire levers available at any bike shop) and at least one spare tube in a pocket or seat bag. If you do have a blowout, we will stop and assist you, but your should be familiar with the changing process.

5.Be sure and carry money, an ID of some sort, and phone numbers in case of an emergency. Many riders are now carrying cell phones too. If you should have an accident or unrepairable breakdown we need to know who you are, people to contact and how to get you back safely. We often do stop for snacks or breakfast goodies and you don't want to have to borrow money to buy something. How embarrassing! OK there is always someone with spare change.

6.Show up to the rides at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time. We start on time and will not wait for stragglers. If you should be running late, we will leave extra maps on the ride leader's car. You will have to play catch-up or take short cuts to ride with the group.

7.Please wear your helmet!! It will make you look and act more like a "real" cyclist and you'll make it safer for everyone. Wear clothing made for cycling. You don't have to look like you are in the Tour de France, but either tight-fitting Lycra or baggy cycling shorts (with inserts) will be more comfortable. Wear brightly colored jerseys or jackets. You want to be seen on the roads. We recommend investing in cycling-specific shoes. You will be able to put more power into your pedal stroke and your feet won't ache after a long ride. Check our links page for mail-order vendors or visit your local bike shop.

Above all, have a good time. Introduce yourself if you're a new member or thinking of becoming one. You don't need to belong to CTC to ride with us a few times. Don't let the clothes, helmets, and fancy bikes intimidate you. We won't bite.

Cleveland Touring Club
PO Box 24177
Mayfield Heights OH 44124